Inscribing system

ABSTRACT

A system and method for inscribing an item is provided. The system includes a housing having a door, an inscriber, and a support. The inscriber is disposed in the housing and is operable to inscribe the surface of an item secured in an item carrier. The support has a positioning structure that is configured to engage the item carrier and establish a reference point so that the location of the surface of the item with respect to the support is determinable. The support moves between a loading position and an inscribing position to position the item for inscribing. There is also provided a controller that governs the movements of the inscriber and includes an input device. The input device is moveable between a first position to receive characteristics about the item to be inscribed and a second position to receive a message to be inscribed on the surface of the item. There is further provided an item carrier that is configured to securely hold an item to be inscribed and includes a second positioning structure. The second positioning structure is engageable with the first positioning structure of the inscribing device to position the item carrier and item on the support of the inscribing device so that an inscription inscribed on the item will be correctly orientated on the item.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser.No. 09/054,417 filed on Apr. 3, 1998 for Engraving System.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a device forpersonalizing items. More particularly, the invention relates to asystem and method for inscribing an item.

[0003] There is a significant consumer demand to purchase items thathave a personalized inscription. Apparently, consumers enjoy having theopportunity to purchase a particular item and have the item personalizedwith an inscription for either themselves or another individual. Thereis particularly a demand for personal items such as key chains,bracelets, business card holders, money clips, pens, etc., that aremarked with a person's name or initials or that include a personalmessage or design.

[0004] To meet this demand, a store must maintain a machine that iscapable of inscribing any one of a variety of items, as well as a broadinventory of such items. There are many different machines that arecapable of inscribing personal items. For example, the store may own andoperate either an engraving machine or a printing machine to performthis function.

[0005] However, there are several problems with the currently availableinscribing machines. Engraving machines, in particular, are typicallyvery complex machines that require a skilled employee to operateefficiently. To efficiently operate an engraving machine, the employeemust be skilled in both positioning the item and in performing theengraving.

[0006] Positioning the item for engraving requires skill to ensure thatthe item is aligned correctly under the engraver and that the item isfirmly clamped into place so that the item will not move while it isbeing engraved. If the item shifts during the engraving operation or ifthe item is improperly aligned, the item will likely be ruined and theoperator would be forced to start over with a new item. Even withtraining, positioning an item for engraving is a skill that must belearned through time-consuming trial and error, which can become costlyfor the store.

[0007] Another potential problem with engraving machines is that themachines typically leave the moving parts of the engraver exposed sothat the operator can monitor the engraving operation to ensure the itemis aligned correctly and that the item is properly engraved. However,since the moving parts of the machine are exposed, loose clothing orappendages may catch on the moving parts, which may result in injury toeither an operator or a customer. This is particularly a problem withengraving machines that use a milling engraver to inscribe an item. Thetip of a milling engraver spins as it contacts the surface of the itemand tends to throw pieces of the material during the engraving process.These pieces of material could potentially strike and injure an operatoror customer. Thus, these machines present a potential safety hazard,particularly if the machine is positioned in area of the store that iseasily accessible to customers.

[0008] An additional problem with existing inscribing machines is that acustomer must tell an operator the message that is to be inscribed onthe item. Communication of the content of the desired inscription can bedifficult if the operator and customer speak different languages or ifthe customer has an accent. Obviously, if the operator does notunderstand the content of the message, the resulting inscription will beincorrect and the operator will be forced to start over with a new item.

[0009] Some inscribing machines are available that operate in a mannersimilar to vending machines. These machines require no engravingexperience to operate and may, therefore, be operated directly by theconsumer without the assistance of a skilled operator. However, thesemachines are very large and take up a great deal of floor space, whichmakes them impractical to operate in small jewelry and variety stores.In addition, the variety of items available for selection are limited,since the machines must be specifically configured to handle eachdifferently shaped item.

[0010] In light of the foregoing, there is a need for a system forinscribing an item that is compact, easy to use, safe, and that reducesthe likelihood of a communication error in communicating the content ofthe inscription.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a system forinscribing an item that substantially obviates one of more of thelimitations and disadvantages of prior art inscribing machines. Theadvantages and purposes of the invention will be set forth in part inthe description which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theadvantages and purposes of the invention will be realized and attainedby the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in theappended claims.

[0012] To attain the advantages and in accordance with the purposes ofthe invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the presentinvention is directed to a system for inscribing an item that has asurface and is secured in an item carrier. The system includes a housinghaving a door. An inscriber is provided in the housing that is operableto inscribe the surface of the item. There is also provided a supporthaving a positioning structure that is engageable with the item carrierand is configured to establish a reference point so that the location ofthe item carrier with respect to the support is determinable when theitem carrier is engaged with the positioning structure. The support ismoveable between a loading position where the support extends throughthe door of the housing thereby exposing the positioning structure andan inscribing position where the item is positioned for inscribing andthe inscriber is fully enclosed by the housing.

[0013] In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method ofinscribing an item. In the method, an inscribing device including ahousing, a controller, an inscriber, and a support having a firstpositioning fixture is provided. An item to be inscribed is secured inan item carrier having a second positioning structure. The secondpositioning structure of the item carrier is engaged with the firstpositioning structure to secure the item carrier and the item to beinscribed to the support. Information, including the characteristics ofthe item to be inscribed and the content of the inscription, is inputinto the controller. The surface of the item is inscribed based on theinformation input into the controller.

[0014] In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to asystem for inscribing an item. The system includes a controller that hasan input device. The input device is moveable between a first positionto receive characteristics about the item to be inscribed and a secondposition to receive a message to be inscribed on the surface of theitem. The controller governs the movements of the inscriber to inscribethe message on the surface of the item.

[0015] In still another aspect, the present invention is directed to anitem carrier for an inscribing device that has an inscriber and asupport with a first positioning structure. The item carrier includes abody that has a fixture configured to secure an item to be inscribed tothe item carrier body. The fixture engages the item such that at least aportion of the surface of the item is exposed for inscribing. The itemcarrier also includes a second positioning structure that is engageablewith the first positioning structure of the inscribing device toposition the item carrier and item on the support of the inscribingdevice so that an inscription inscribed on the item will be correctlyorientated on the item.

[0016] According to still another aspect, the present invention isdirected to a system for inscribing an item. The system includes aninscribing module and a control module. The inscribing module includes ahousing that has a door, an inscriber that is disposed in the housingand is operable to inscribe the surface of the item, and a support thathas a positioning structure configured to position the item with respectto the inscriber and is moveable between a loading position where thesupport extends through the door of the housing to expose thepositioning structure and an inscribing position where the item ispositioned for inscribing. The control module includes a controller thatgoverns the movements of the inscriber to inscribe the message on thesurface of the item. The second module is connected to the first modulesuch that the modules may be placed in physically separate locations.

[0017] It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are exemplary andexplanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this specification, illustrate one embodiment ofthe invention and together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. In the drawings,

[0019]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system for inscribing an itemaccording to the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a system for inscribing an item,illustrating a pivoting door in the open position;

[0021]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an inscriber according to thepresent invention;

[0022]FIG. 4 is a cut-away view of the inscriber of FIG. 3, illustratinga support for the inscribing system in accordance with the presentinvention;

[0023]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an inscribing system of thepresent invention, illustrating a support in a loading position;

[0024]FIG. 6 is top view of a support according to the presentinvention;

[0025]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the support of FIG. 6, takenalong line A-A;

[0026]FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of an item carrier inposition on a support, in accordance with the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an item carrier positionedabove a support;

[0028]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the item carrier in positionon the support;

[0029] FIGS. 11(a)-11(d) are top views of alternative embodiments of theitem carrier of the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the item carrier and support ofthe present invention, illustrating the engagement of a firstpositioning structure and a second positioning structure;

[0031]FIG. 13 is a sectional view of an item carrier and supportaccording to the present invention;

[0032]FIG. 14 is a sectional view of an item carrier and a supportaccording to the present invention, illustrating the item carriersecured to the support;

[0033]FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a computer suitable forcontrolling the operation of the inscribing system;

[0034]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an inscribing system according tothe present invention, illustrating the control module separated fromthe inscribing module;

[0035]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an inscribing system according tothe present invention, illustrating the input device in a pivotedposition; and

[0036]FIG. 18 is a flowchart depicting a method of inscribing an item inaccordance with the present invention; and

[0037] FIGS. 19(a)-(c) are sectional views of an inscriber according tothe present invention, illustrating the inscription of items havingthree different depths.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferredembodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numberswill be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0039] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided asystem for inscribing an item. For purposes of this disclosure, the term“item” is intended to include any products or goods that are or may besold with a personalized inscription. Examples of such items include,but are not limited to, jewelry, key chains, business card holders,pens, money clips, name plates, plaques, trophies, and awards. Anexemplary embodiment of the inscribing system of the present inventionis illustrated in FIG. 1 and is generally designated by reference number100.

[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 1, inscribing system 100 includes acontroller 102 mounted on a housing 104. Preferably, housing 104 is madeof a solid construction and completely encloses the moving components ofinscribing system 100, which will be described in greater detail below.In the illustrated embodiment, inscribing system 100 is compactly sizedso that the system may be placed on a supporting surface such as the topof a standard store counter or another location that provides easyaccess to the inscribing system.

[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 2, housing 104 includes a door 108 and issupported by feet 110. Door 108 is mounted on hinges 120 that arepreferably located on the lower edge of housing 104. Feet 110 elevatehousing 104 above the supporting surface so that door 108 may pivot onhinges 120 and, when opened, will lie flat on the supporting surface andcreate an opening 122 in the front of housing 104.

[0042] In accordance with the present invention, housing 104 contains aninscriber. In the disclosed embodiment, the preferred inscriber is anengraver 12, however the present invention contemplates that theinscriber may be a printer or any other instrument capable of writing,printing, or engraving text or figures onto the surface of an item. Thepreferred engraver is a scribe engraver, although any type of engraverknown in the art, such as, for example, a milling engraver, may be used.

[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 3, engraver 12 is mounted on a supportstructure that provides for movement of-the engraver in two dimensions,referred to as the X- and Z-directions. The present inventioncontemplates, however, that the support structure may additionallyprovide for motion of the engraver in the third, or Y-direction.

[0044] The support structure for engraver 12 includes a housing 16.Housing 16 is, in turn, mounted on two guides 28. The guides 28 aresupported by two vertical support members 42 that rest on a bottom plate40 of system housing 104.

[0045] Movement in the X-direction (as indicated by arrow 17 in FIG. 3)is controlled by a first stepper motor 30 that is mounted on one of thesupport members 42. First stepper motor 30 is connected to a lead screw32, which engages housing 16. First stepper motor 30 turns lead screw32, thereby causing housing 16 and engraver 12 to move along guides 28in the X-direction. As is described in greater detail below, the amountof X-direction movement generated by first stepper motor 30 is governedby controller 102.

[0046] Movement in the Z-direction (as indicated by arrow 21 in FIG. 3)is controlled by a second stepper motor 18 that is mounted on housing16. As best shown in FIG. 3, engraver 12 is connected to a shaft that isslidably disposed in housing 16. Second stepper motor 18 is connected tothe engraver shaft by a lever arm 20 that has a pivot point 22. Secondstepper motor 18 acts on lever arm 20 to move the lever arm about thepivot point 22, which results in movement of the shaft and engraver 12in the Z-direction. As is described in greater detail below, the amountof Z-direction movement generated by second stepper motor 18 is governedby controller 102.

[0047] The present invention contemplates that other devices for movingthe engraver in the Z-direction will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art. For example, the stepper motor may be replaced byany other instrument for effecting a controlled linear movement. Inaddition, a stepper motor or similar device that produces a controlledrotational movement may be combined with a rack and pinion system tomove the engraver in the Z-direction.

[0048] In accordance with the present invention, the inscribing systemincludes a support having a positioning structure that is configured toposition an item to be inscribed. In the presently preferred embodimentand as illustrated in the figures, the support is an engraving table 24that is configured for movement in the Y-direction (as indicated byarrow 19 in FIG. 3) with respect to the inscriber.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, engraving table 24 is positioned beneathengraver 12 and between vertical support members 42. As shown in FIG. 4,engraving table 24 has four sliding supports 48 that are slidablyengaged with two support rails 26. Support rails 26 rest on bottom plate40 of system housing 104.

[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 4, movement in the Y-direction (asindicated by arrow 19 in FIG. 3) is controlled by a third stepper motor34. Third-stepper motor 34 is connected to a lead screw 44 that isengaged with a threaded structure 46 on engraving table 24. Lead screw44 is turned by third stepper motor 34. Lead screw 44 acts on engravingtable 24 through structure 46 to move engraving table 24 along thesupport rails 26 in the Y-direction with respect to engraver 12. As isdescribed in greater detail below, the amount of Y-direction movementgenerated by third stepper motor 34 is governed by controller 102.

[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 2, engraving table 24 is positionedadjacent door 108 in housing 104. Engraving table 24 has a width that issmaller than the width of opening 122 created by opening door 108. Thirdstepper motor 34 may be activated to move engraving table 24 throughopening 122. Preferably door 108 is spring-loaded so that the door isbiased into a closed position. The movement of engraving table 24 forcesdoor 108 open as the engraving table moves into a loading position, asillustrated in FIG. 5. It is contemplated that the orientation of theengraving table 24 and door within housing 104 may vary.

[0052] As described above, housing 104 completely encloses theinscribing components of system 100. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2, a contact switch 124 is positioned adjacent door 108 todetermine if the door is open or closed. Preferably, contact switch 124is connected to controller 102 and controller 102 will not initiate theinscribing process until door 108 is closed. In this manner, theinscribing system ensures that the moving components are completelyenclosed prior to starting the inscribing operation. This improves thesafety of the system by reducing the likelihood that loose clothing oran appendage will be caught by the moving parts of the machine andresult in an injury to either an operator or a customer. This safetyfeature is particularly important in the consumer retail environment forwhich this system is intended.

[0053] In accordance with the present invention, the support of theinscribing system includes a first positioning structure that isengageable with the item and is configured to establish a referencepoint so that the location of the surface of the item with respect tothe support is determinable when the item is engaged with thepositioning structure. As best illustrated in FIG. 6, the firstpositioning structure of engraving table 24 of the exemplary embodimentcomprises a circular opening 36. As shown in FIG. 7, the opening 36extends through engraving table 24.

[0054] As best illustrated in FIG. 6, spring pins 42 are mounted withinengraving table 24 and intersect opening 36. As shown in FIG. 4, springpins 42 are positioned in vertical slots 58. An open area 52 is providedaround the spring pins 42 into which the spring pins may deflect inresponse to contact with an object.

[0055] In accordance with the present invention, the engraving systemincludes an item carrier for holding an item to be inscribed. The itemcarrier has a second positioning structure that engages the firstpositioning structure on the support of the inscribing system toposition the item in a predetermined inscribing position.

[0056] In the presently preferred and disclosed embodiment, the secondpositioning structure is a boss that is centered on the item carrier.The central location of the boss ensures that when the boss is engagedwith the opening, the item carrier will be centered over the opening. Ifthe item is similarly centered on the item carrier, then the item willalso be centered over the opening in the support. In this manner, theitem carrier may be positioned on the support independently of the shapeof the item.

[0057] Thus, the engagement of these positioning structures establishesthe center of the opening as a reference point from which the controllermay determine the location of the item carrier on the-support. Becausethe dimensions of the item and item carrier and the location of the itemwith respect to the item carrier are known to the controller, or may beinput into the controller, the location of the inscribing area of theparticular item may be determined from the established reference point.The present invention, therefore, provides a positioning system whereinthe placement of the item carrier on the support automatically positionsthe item in position for inscribing. This positioning is achieved bysimply engaging the first positioning structure with the secondpositioning structure, an act which requires no special skill ortraining. Thus, this aspect of the present invention significantlyreduces the complexity of the inscribing process.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 9, item carrier 60 has a boss 64 that projectsoutwardly from the item carrier. An edge 74 of boss 64 is preferablybeveled to ease the engagement of the boss with the opening 36 in theengraving table 24. The boss 64 and opening 36 have substantially thesame size and shape.

[0059] Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, boss 64 includes a ridge77. Ridge 77 extends outwardly from the edge of boss 64. Opening 36includes a recess 79 (referring to FIG. 6) configured to receive ridge77. The engagement of ridge 77 and recess 79 ensures that the itemcarrier and associated item are properly orientated on the engravingtable. Without the ridge and recess, it is possible that the itemcarrier could be secured to the engraving table in a position that isrotated 180° from the proper orientation.

[0060] As also shown in FIG. 9, there are a pair of indentations 72 oneither side of boss 64. Indentations 72 are rounded and are positionedto engage spring pins 42 in engraving table 24 when boss 64 engagesopening 36. As shown in FIG. 10, when the item carrier 60 is in positionon engraving table 24, spring pins 42 engage indentations 72 and securethe item carrier to the engraving table.

[0061] While the disclosed embodiment of the positioning structureprovides a singular boss having a circular cross section to engage theopening in the engraving table in order to position the item, it iscontemplated that many other configurations could perform the samefunction. For example, the item carrier could have a boss with apolygonal cross section, as illustrated in FIG. 11d. Alternatively, theitem carrier could have multiple bosses that engage correspondingopenings in the engraving table. Or, the item carrier could haveintersecting protrusions which mate with intersecting slots on theengraving table, where the intersection of the protrusions establishes areference point to determine the location of the item carrier.

[0062] It is further contemplated that the second positioning structureon the item carrier may not be centered with respect to the item andthat the engagement of the first and second positioning structures maynot physically center the item with respect to positioning structure inthe support. The positioning structure on the item carrier and theengagement of the first and second positioning structures may beaccomplished in any of a variety of manners, provided that theengagement of the first and second positioning structures consistentlyestablishes a predefined reference point from which the controller maylocate the inscribing surface of the particular item. Accordingly, anynumber of different positioning structures can be developed and areconsidered to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0063] In accordance with the present invention, the item carrierincludes a fixture configured to securely hold an item for inscribing.In the presently preferred embodiment and as shown in FIG. 8, thefixture of item carrier 60 is a relief 62 that is configured to securelyhold an item. The fixture of this invention is not limited to a reliefor any particular securing mechanism. The present invention contemplatesnumerous fixtures, including an arrangement wherein the fixture is abovethe surface of the item carrier.

[0064] The present invention preferably provides a series of itemcarriers to carry a wide assortment of items. The depth, width andlength of relief 62 in each item carrier 60 is dependent on theparticular item to be held therein. Each relief 62 has substantially thesame shape as the item held therein so that the item is securely fixedto the item carrier so that the item will not move with respect to theitem carrier during the inscribing process. Each item carrier 60 securesthe item within the relief such that at least a portion of the surfaceof the item is exposed for inscribing.

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 11a, 11 b, 11 c, the outer dimensions of theitem carrier 60 may be of any shape befitting the shape of the item. Forexample, in FIG. 6a the item carrier holds a rectangular item, such as aname plate. The item carriers of FIGS. 6b and 6 c are configured to holdsquare and circular items, respectively.

[0066] Preferably, an adhesive is used to secure an item within relief62. The adhesive may be placed in the bottom of the relief or along thesides of the relief to attach to the item. It is contemplated that anyadhesive such as, for example, two-sided tape or glue may be used. Thepreferred adhesive will firmly attach the item to the relief, but willallow the item to be removed from the item carrier without incurring anydamage to the item.

[0067] Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 11a and 11 b, item carrier mayinclude snap locks 67 to further secure an item within relief 62. Snaplocks 67 are positioned around the perimeter of relief 62. The presentinvention contemplates that a variety of patterns of snap lockplacements or other fastening mechanisms will be readily apparent ascapable of securing an item within relief 62.

[0068] Each snap lock 67 includes a tab 65. Each tab 65 projects intorelief 62 to engage an item that is inserted into the relief.Preferably, tab 65 engages the side of an item to exert a lateral forceon the item. The combined forces of a series of snap locks will securelyhold the item and prevent the item from shifting during the inscriptionoperation. Alternatively, relief 62 could be configured such that tab 65extends over the surface of the item to secure the item within therelief.

[0069] Each snap lock 67 also includes an opening 63 that is formed initem carrier 60 adjacent tab 65. Opening 63 provides an area into whichthe item carrier material may flex when an item is inserted into relief62. Preferably, item carrier 60 is made of a flexible material with ahigh resiliency so that the material between opening 63 and tab 65 willexert a force through the tab onto the item to hold the item in place.

[0070] Constructing the item carrier of a flexible material will alsoallow an item to be easily removed from the item carrier. Physicallybending the item carrier with respect to the item will move tabs 65 outof engagement with the item to release the item. After this procedure isrepeated for each snap lock, the item will be completely freed from theitem carrier.

[0071] Preferably, each item is identified by a unique product code. Theproduct code for each item will uniquely identify each item by theitem's depth, length, width, and the dimensions and location of theitem's surface area that is available for inscribing. The product codemay be displayed on the item carrier and/or contained in a barcode 132(referring to FIG. 5) affixed to the particular item carrier 60.Preferably the product code and/or barcode is located on the top theitem carrier so that the product code and/or barcode are visible whenthe item carrier is secured to the engraving table.

[0072] As illustrated in FIG. 6, engraving table 24 is provided withslots 38 that extend from a position adjacent opening 36 to the outeredges of engraving table 24 to further secure the item carrier in placeand to prevent movement/rotation during the engraving process. Asillustrated in FIG. 9, the item carrier has two tabs 70. Tabs 70 arepositioned at or adjacent the outer edge of item carrier 60 and arealigned with boss 64 so that they will engage slots 38 in engravingtable 24. The engagement of tabs 70 with slots 38 ensures that the itemcarrier and associated item are correctly orientated on engraving table24 and are not rotated with respect to circular opening 36.

[0073] In addition, the engagement of tabs 70 with slots 38 on engravingtable 24 prevent item carrier 60 from rotating around circular boss 64when the item is being engraved. Without tabs 70, the forces exerted bythe inscriber on the item may cause the item carrier to rotate aroundcircular opening 36. Thus, the engagement of the tabs with the engravingtable at opposing sides of the item carrier provides additionalstability to the item during the engraving process.

[0074] While the preferred embodiment discloses a single circular bossand two tabs to prevent the item from rotating during the engravingoperation, many other shapes and combinations will effectively performthe same function. For example, a boss having a polygonal or elongatedshape will also help prevent rotation of the item carrier. Multiplebosses on the item carrier will perform the same function.

[0075] The first and second positioning structures of the disclosedembodiment are presently preferred because they allow flexibility in thesize and shape of the item carrier. The presence in the engraving tableof an opening with two slots requires only that the item carrier have aboss corresponding to the opening and tabs that are aligned to engagethe slots. The distance between the boss and tabs is restricted only bythe size of the engraving table. Thus, any size or shape of item carriermay be used with this combination. In contrast, combinations ofstructures using multiple bosses are potentially more limiting in thatthe distance between the bosses is fixed and each item carrier must beat least as big as the distance between the bosses.

[0076] As described previously and as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14,third stepper motor 34 (referring to FIG. 4) may be activated to moveengraving table 24 to a loading position. In the loading position,engraving table 24 extends through opening 122 in housing 104 to exposethe first positioning structure 36. As illustrated in FIG. 13, when theengraving table is in the loading position, item carrier 60 may besecured to the engraving table by engaging the respective positioningstructures.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 13, a lever 136 is positioned below engravingtable 24. Lever 136 is mounted on pivot 135 and moves in the Y-directionwith engraving table. One end of lever 136 includes a pad 134. Aprojection 137 and a switch contact 138 are disposed on the oppositeside of pivot 135 from pad 134. Projection 137 is positioned to extendpartially into opening 36 in engraving table 24. Preferably, a spring133 acts on lever 136 to ensure the pad side of the lever is lower thanthe switch contact side of the lever so that the top of pad 134 is levelwith the top surface of engraving table 24 and switch contact 138 is outof contact with an indicator switch 139. In an alternative embodiment,the pad side of lever 136 is heavier than the switch contact side oflever 136 so that the pad side of the lever will naturally pivot to alower point than the switch contact side.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 14, when item carrier 60 is secured to engravingtable 24, boss 64 contacts projection 137 and causes lever 136 to rotateabout pivot 135. The rotating motion of lever 136 moves switch contact138 into contact with an indicator switch 139 and causes pad 134 toproject above the surface of engraving table 24. After the item has beenengraved, an operator may press down on pad 134 to rotate lever aboutpivot 135 and move projection 137 upwardly within opening 36, therebydislodging item carrier 60 and the associated item from engraving table24.

[0079] The contact between indicator switch 139 and switch contact 138indicates to 11 the controller that an item is positioned on theengraving table. Preferably, the indicator switch is not activated untilboss 64 of item carrier 60 is fully inserted into opening 36 and engagedwith spring pins 42. Once indicator switch 139 is activated, thecontroller would allow third stepper motor 34 to retract engraving table24 into housing 104.

[0080] As illustrated in FIG. 5 and previously described, a barcode 132may be affixed to item carrier 60. Preferably, barcode 132 contains aproduct code that identifies the item held in the item carrier. Abarcode reader 130 is connected to the system to read the barcode andcommunicate the product code to the controller. Preferably, barcodereader 130 is not activated until indicator switch 139 indicates thatitem carrier 60 is secured to engraving table 24. Activating the barcodereader in this manner will reduce the likelihood that an operator willscan a barcode from an item carrier that contains an item different fromthe item actually secured to the engraving table for engraving.

[0081] In accordance with the present invention, a controller isprovided to govern the motion of the inscriber. In the preferredembodiment, the controller governs the entire operation of theinscribing system. The controller includes an input device to receiveinformation about the particular item to be inscribed as well as thecontent of the inscription.

[0082] Preferably, controller 102 includes a device, such as computer150 (referring to FIG. 15), to control the operation of the inscribingsystem. Computer 150 includes a memory 152, a secondary storage device154, a processor 160 such as a central processing unit, an input device162, and a display device 158. Memory 152 and secondary storage 154 maystore applications, such as application 156, or information forexecution and use by processor 160. Computer 150 is optionally connectedto a network 164, such as the Internet.

[0083] In the preferred embodiment, input device 162 and display device158 are combined into a single monitor 106 (referring to FIG. 1) havinga touch sensitive screen. A user may touch certain areas of the screenin response to prompts from the controller to enter information aboutthe item to be inscribed and the content of the inscription.Additionally, computer 150 may access the Internet, or anotherelectronic source of information, to obtain text or figures to includein the inscription. Input device 162 may also include a barcode scanner130 (referring to FIG. 5) to receive information about an item to beinscribed from barcode 132 attached to the respective item carrier. Inaddition, input device 162 may include a scanner so that images or textmay be scanned in and inscribed on an item.

[0084] Although computer 150 is depicted with various components, oneskilled in the art will appreciate that this computer can containadditional or different components. Additionally, although computer 150is shown connected to network 164, computer 150 may be connected toother networks, including other wide area networks or local areanetworks. Furthermore, although aspects of the present invention aredescribed as being stored in memory, one skilled in the art willappreciate that these aspects can also be stored on or read from othertypes of computer program products or computer-readable media, such assecondary storage devices, including hard disks, floppy disks, orCD-ROM; a carrier wave from a network such as the Internet; or otherforms of RAM or ROM. These aspects of the present invention may alsoinclude modules, implemented in software, hardware, or a combination,configured to perform a particular method implementing an embodimentconsistent with the present invention. In addition, thecomputer-readable media may include instructions for controlling acomputer system, such as computer 150, to perform a particular method.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 16, inscribing system 100 includes an inscribingmodule 166 and a control module 168. Inscribing module 166 includes thehousing 104 and the enclosed inscribing elements and control module 168includes controller 102 and input device 106. A connection 170 isprovided between engraving module 166 and control module 168 to allowthe modules to be physically separated. This feature is particularlybeneficial in a small store, where the inscribing module may be locatedin a storage area, such as in a back room or underneath a counter, whilethe control module is located in a position such as a store counterwhere both customers and employees may access the input device to enterinformation.

[0086] As illustrated in FIG. 17, controller 102 is preferably rotatablymounted on housing 104. Housing 104 includes a circular recess 110 thatreceives control module 168. A smaller circular recess is furtherincluded in housing 104 that receives a corresponding projection (notshown) on the base of control module 168. Control module 168 pivotswithin recesses 110 and 170 of housing 104. In this manner, the inputscreen may be pivoted between a first position, which preferablypresents the input device to an operator, and a second position, whichpreferably presents the input device to a customer. Providing apivotable input screen allows an operator to set up the inscribingsystem to inscribe a particular item and then pivot the screen to allowa customer to input the content of the inscription for the item. Thus,the customer may directly input the desired inscription, without havingto verbalize the content of the inscription to the operator. Thisfeature will reduce the likelihood of errors in the inscription thatresult from language barriers between the operator and customer.

[0087] The operation of the engraving system of the present inventionwill now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG.18 is a flow chart of an exemplary process 178 for inscribing an item.Process 178 may be implemented by application 156 (referring to FIG. 15)stored in memory 152 and controlling operation of processor 160.

[0088] A customer selects an item for inscribing (step 180). Each itemavailable for inscribing is secured into an item carrier preferablyhaving a relief of substantially the same shape. For example, arectangular item, such as a name plate, could be secured in the itemcarrier of FIG. 11a. Preferably, the items are already in item carriers,although the items may be displayed and stored separate and apart fromthe item carrier. In the latter case, the items will be inserted intothe item carrier at a preliminary stage of the inscribing process.

[0089] Preferably, the particular characteristics of each item,including the item's height (as indicated by line 192 in FIGS. 19a-c),the shape and location of the inscribing area available on the item, andany other required information, are stored in memory 152. Memory 152associates a unique product code with the characteristics of each item.The product code for the item is preferably displayed on the item oritem carrier, and/or affixed to the item or item carrier in a barcode.

[0090] After the desired item is selected, the operator fixes the itemcarrier to the support of the inscribing system (step 182). Asillustrated in FIG. 12, the item carrier 60 is positioned on engravingtable 24 by engaging boss 64 and tabs 70 of the item carrier withopening 36 and slots 38 of the engraving table. As described above, theengagement of the boss with the circular opening positions the item sothat the location of the inscribing area of the item is known to, or maybe determined by, controller 102.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, boss 64 has a pair of indentations 72which engage spring pins 42 when the boss is inserted into opening 36 inengraving table 24. Beveled edge 74 of the boss pushes spring pins 42outwardly into open area 52. When boss 64 is fully inserted into opening36, spring pins 42 snap into the indentations 72 to secure the itemcarrier to the engraving table.

[0092] In addition, boss 64 presses down on projection 137 of lever 136(referring to FIGS. 13 and 14) to rotate lever 136 about pivot 135.Pivoting lever 136 moves switch contact 138 to activate indicator switch139. This indicates to controller 102 that an item is positioned forinscribing.

[0093] The operator or customer then inputs the characteristics of theitem into the input device (step 184). This step may be accomplished bymanually typing the product code of the item into input device 106.Alternatively, referring to FIG. 5, barcode reader 130, which wasactivated when indicator switch 139 acknowledged the proper positioningof item carrier 60, may read barcode 132 on item carrier 60 to input theproduct code. Controller 102 matches the input product code with theproduct codes stored in memory 152 to identify the particularcharacteristics of the item to be inscribed. After the characteristicsof the item are identified to controller 102, third stepper motor 34 isactivated to move engraving table 24 and the secured item into housing104 and into an inscribing position.

[0094] When engraving table 24 is completely within housing 104, door108 is biased into a shut position to completely enclose the movingelements of the inscribing system. Shutting door 108 activates contactswitch 124. For safety reasons, controller 102 preferably will notcontinue the inscribing operation until door 108 is shut.

[0095] The desired content of the inscription is then entered into theinput device (step 186). Preferably, once engraving table 24 has movedcompletely within housing 104 and door 108 has shut, the operator pivotsinput device 106 to face the customer to allow the customer to enter thecontent of the inscription. Input device 106 is preferably a touchsensitive screen that allows the user to select the content of theinscription. The content of the inscription may include both text andfigures. The text of the inscription may be selected in any font, or acombination of fonts, as well as in another language.

[0096] The customer may select figures to be inscribed in the item fromany number of figures stored in memory 152. The available figures may bepresented to the customer in a series of categories. For example, thecustomer may select a holiday category and be presented with a series offigures related to various holidays, such as candy canes, Christmastrees, stars, or sleds. Any number of figures may be stored in memory152 in any series of categories. In addition, a scanner (not shown) maybe connected to the system to allow the customer to scan in an image tobe inscribed into the item. The system may also be connected to anetwork, such as the Internet, to allow the customer to download animage or design to be inscribed in the item.

[0097] After the content of the inscription is selected, the monitorpreferably displays a graphical representation of the item with theselected inscription. The representation is presented as an exactreplica of the item with the inscription shown exactly as it will appearon the item. The customer may then opt to go forward with theinscription or may return to modify the content of the inscription.Because the controller knows the dimensions of the surface areaavailable for engraving, the customer will not be allowed to input amessage or design that is larger than the available inscribing area forthe particular item.

[0098] The operator or customer may then start the inscription operation(step 188). Controller 102 then controls the motions of engraver 12 toinscribe the selected inscription into the item. Because the engagementof the first and second positioning structures establishes a referencepoint and the controller knows the particular characteristics of theitem, the controller 12 may determine the location of the inscribingarea of the item from the entered product code. Thus, the preciselocation of the inscribing area may be easily determined.

[0099] As shown in FIGS. 19a-c, items having different heights may beinscribed. Since the height of the item is defined as part of thecharacteristics of each item, controller 102 activates second steppermotor 18 to move engraver 12 in the Z-direction (as indicated by line21) to engage the engraver with the surface of item 61. When engraver 12is engaged with the surface of item 61, controller 102 governs themotions of first and third stepper motors 30 and 34 to control the X-and Y-direction motion of the engraver with respect to the item. In thismanner, controller 102 continues to control the inscribing operationuntil the desired inscription is completed.

[0100] Preferably, a spring is positioned between the engraver and theshaft. The contact of the engraver against the surface of the itemcompresses the spring so that the spring biases the engraver intocontact with the surface. If the surface of the item contains anyirregularities, the force of the spring will ensure that the engravermaintains contact with the item.

[0101] The surface of an item, such as, for example, a pen, may berounded and have a varying height over the area available forinscribing. Any such contours of an item's surface are stored as part ofthe characteristics for the particular item. Thus, controller 102 mayaccount for the varying height of the item's surface and move engraver12 in the Z-direction to ensure that engraver 12 maintains contact withthe surface of the item over rounded surfaces. The spring between theengraver and the shaft ensures that the engraver maintains contact withthe surface of the item, if the surface contains any irregularities inaddition to the expected contours.

[0102] Upon completion, controller 102 moves engraver 12 away from item61 and displays that the operation is complete. When door 108 is opened,contact switch 124 is deactivated. Controller 102 governs third steppermotor 34 to move engraving table 124 back to the loading position toexpose the inscribed item.

[0103] The operator then removes the item carrier and item from thesystem (step 190). Referring to FIG. 14, the operator presses down onpad 134 to pivot lever 136 about pivot point 135. Projection 137 exertsan upward force on boss 64 that forces spring pins 42 outwardly. Afterspring pins 42 are disengaged from boss 64, the continued force ofprojection 137 moves item carrier 60 with respect to engraving table 24to dislodge the item carrier. The item carrier and inscribed item can beremoved from the system and presented to the customer.

[0104] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the method of the presentinvention and in construction of this engraving system without departingfrom the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of theinvention will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromconsideration of the specification and practice of the inventiondisclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples beconsidered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of theinvention being indicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for inscribing an item secured in anitem carrier, the item having a surface, comprising: a housing having adoor; an inscriber disposed in the housing and operable to inscribe thesurface of the item; and a support having a positioning structureengageable with the item carrier and configured to establish a referencepoint so that the location of the item carrier with respect to thesupport is determinable when the item carrier is engaged with thepositioning structure, the support moveable between a loading positionwhere the support extends through the door of the housing therebyexposing the positioning structure and an inscribing position where theitem is positioned for inscribing and the inscriber is fully enclosed bythe housing.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the inscriber is anengraver.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the support moves generallyhorizontally between the loading position and the inscribing position.4. The system of claim 1, wherein the item carrier has a secondpositioning structure configured to engage the positioning structure ofthe support.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the positioning structureof the support is a circular opening and the second positioningstructure of the item carrier is a boss configured to engage thecircular opening.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the positioningstructure of the support further includes a groove extending away fromthe circular opening and the second positioning structure of the itemcarrier includes a tab configured to engage the groove.
 7. The system ofclaim 5, wherein the boss includes a ridge and the circular openingincludes a recess configured to receive the ridge to ensure the itemcarrier is properly oriented on the support.
 8. The system of claim 5,wherein the positioning structure of the support includes spring pinsconfigured to engage the boss of the item carrier to secure the itemcarrier to the support.
 9. The system of claim 8, further comprising alever pivotably mounted on the support and having a projectionconfigured to exert a force on the boss of the item carrier to dislodgethe item carrier from spring pins in the support.
 10. The system ofclaim 9, wherein the lever includes a switch contact configured toengage an indicator switch when an item carrier is secured to thesupport.
 11. The system of claim 1, further comprising a controlleroperable to receive a message to be inscribed on the surface of the itemand further operable to govern the movements of the inscriber toinscribe the item.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the controllerincludes an input device moveable between a first position to receiveinformation about the shape of the item to be inscribed and a secondposition to receive the message to be inscribed on the surface of theitem.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the inscriber is mounted on asupport structure operable to move the inscriber in at least twodimensions.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the support structureincludes a first stepper motor operable to move the inscriber in theX-direction and a second stepper motor operable to move the inscriber inthe Z-direction and the housing includes a third stepper motor operableto move the support in the Y-direction.
 15. The system of claim 1,further comprising a spring acting on the door to bias the door into aclosed position.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein movement of thesupport from the inscribing position to the loading position opens thedoor and movement of the support from the loading position to theinscribing position allows the spring to bias the door into a closedposition.
 17. The system of claim 16, further comprising a contactswitch disposed between the door and the housing to indicate when thedoor is closed.
 18. A system for inscribing an item secured in an itemcarrier, the item having a surface, comprising: a housing having a door;an inscriber disposed in the housing and operable to inscribe thesurface of the item; a support having a positioning structure configuredto position the item carrier with respect to the inscriber independentlyof the shape of the item, the support moveable between a loadingposition where the support extends through the door of the housingthereby exposing the positioning structure and an inscribing positionwhere the item is positioned for inscribing; and a controller having aninput device moveable between a first position to receivecharacteristics about the item to be inscribed and a second position toreceive a message to be inscribed on the surface of the item, thecontroller operable to govern the movements of the inscriber to inscribethe message on the surface of the item.
 19. The system of claim 18,wherein the item carrier has a second positioning structure configuredto engage the positioning structure of the support.
 20. The system ofclaim 19, wherein the positioning structure of the support is a circularopening and the second positioning structure of the item carrier is aboss configured to engage the circular opening.
 21. The system of claim20, wherein the positioning structure of the support further includes agroove extending away from the circular opening and the secondpositioning structure of the item carrier includes a tab configured toengage the groove.
 22. The system of claim 21 wherein the boss includesa ridge and the circular opening includes a recess configured to receivethe ridge to ensure the item carrier is properly oriented on thesupport.
 23. The system of claim 21, wherein spring pins are disposed inthe circular opening of the support to engage the boss of the itemcarrier to secure the item carrier to the support.
 24. The system ofclaim 23, further comprising a lever pivotably mounted on the supportand having a projection configured to exert a force on the boss of theitem carrier to dislodge the item carrier from spring pins in thesupport.
 25. The system of claim 24, wherein the lever includes a switchcontact configured to engage an indicator switch when an item carrier issecured to the support.
 26. The system of claim 24 wherein the itemcarrier includes a barcode containing characteristics of the itemcarried therein and the input device includes a barcode reader to readthe barcode, the controller activating the barcode reader when theindicator switch indicates that an item carrier is secured to thesupport.
 27. The system of claim 18, wherein the inscriber is mounted ona support structure operable to move the inscriber in at least twodimensions.
 28. The system of claim 27, wherein the support structureincludes a first stepper motor operable to move the inscriber in theX-direction and a second stepper motor operable to move the inscriber inthe Z-direction, the controller operable to govern the motions of thefirst and second stepper motors to inscribe the item.
 29. The system ofclaim 28, wherein the surface of the item to be inscribed is rounded andthe controller governs the motion of the second stepper motor to ensurethe inscriber remains in contact with the surface of the item along therounded surface.
 30. A method of inscribing an item, comprising thesteps of: providing an inscribing device including a housing, acontroller, an inscriber, and a support having a first positioningfixture; securing an item to be inscribed in an item carrier having asecond positioning structure; engaging the second positioning structurewith the first positioning structure to secure the item to be inscribedto the support; inputting information including the characteristics ofthe item to be inscribed and the content of the inscription into thecontroller; and inscribing the surface of the item based on theinformation input into the controller.
 31. The method of claim 30,wherein the information about the characteristics of the item isinputted into an input device of the controller when the input device isin a first position and the content of the inscription is inputted intothe input device when the input device is in a second position.
 32. Themethod of claim 31, further comprising the step of pivoting the inputdevice with respect to the inscribing device to move the input devicebetween the first and second positions.
 33. The method of claim 32,wherein the input device is pivoted approximately 180°.
 34. The methodof claim 31, wherein the step of engaging the first and secondpositioning structures includes inserting a boss on the item carrierinto a circular opening on the support.
 35. The method of claim 31,wherein the characteristics of the item include the items length, width,height, and the dimensions of the surface area available for inscribing.36. The method of claim 35, wherein the characteristics of the item areincluded in a barcode affixed to the item carrier and thecharacteristics are inputted into the system with a barcode reader. 37.The method of claim 31, wherein the item is secured in the item carrierwith an adhesive.
 38. An item carrier for an inscribing device having aninscriber and a support with a first positioning structure, comprising:a body having a fixture configured to secure an item to be inscribedthereto, the fixture engaging the item such that at least a portion ofthe surface of the item is exposed for inscribing; and a secondpositioning structure engageable with the first positioning structure ofthe inscribing device to position the item carrier and item on thesupport of the inscribing device so that an inscription inscribed on theitem will be correctly orientated on the item.
 39. The item carrier ofclaim 38, further comprising a product code that identifiescharacteristics of the item to be inscribed.
 40. The item carrier ofclaim 39, wherein the product code is included in a barcode affixed tothe body of the item carrier.
 41. The item carrier of claim 38, whereinthe fixture is a relief formed in the item carrier.
 42. The item carrierof claim 41, wherein the fixture further includes snap locks configuredto hold the item in the relief.
 43. The item carrier of claim 41,wherein an adhesive secures the item to the relief of the item carrier.44. The item carrier of claim 38, wherein the second positioningstructure is a boss.
 45. The item carrier of claim 44, wherein the bossincludes a ridge configured to orient the item carrier with respect tothe support.
 46. A system for inscribing an item secured in an itemcarrier, the item having a surface, comprising: an inscribing moduleincluding a housing having a door, an inscriber disposed in the housingand operable to inscribe the surface of the item, and a support having apositioning structure configured to position the item carrier withrespect to the inscriber, the support moveable between a loadingposition where the support extends through the door of the housingthereby exposing the positioning structure and an inscribing positionwhere the item is positioned for inscribing; and a control moduleincluding a controller operable to govern the movements of the inscriberto inscribe the message on the surface of the item, the control moduleconnected to the inscribing first module such that the modules may beplaced in separate physical locations.
 47. The system of claim 46,wherein the controller includes an input device moveable between a firstposition to receive characteristics about the item to be inscribed and asecond position to receive a message to be inscribed on the surface ofthe item.
 48. The system of claim 46, wherein the housing and doorcombine to fully enclose the inscriber and support when the support isin the inscribing position.
 49. The system of claim 48, wherein theinscriber is mounted on a support structure operable to move theinscriber in at least two dimensions.
 50. The system of claim 49,wherein the support structure includes a first stepper motor operable tomove the inscriber in the X-direction and a second stepper motoroperable to move the inscriber in the Z-direction.
 51. The system ofclaim 46, further comprising a spring acting on the door to bias thedoor into a closed position.
 52. The system of claim 51, whereinmovement of the support from the inscribing position to the loadingposition opens the door and movement of the support from the loadingposition to the inscribing position allows the spring to bias the doorinto a closed position.
 53. The system of claim 51, further comprising acontact switch disposed between the door and the housing to indicatewhen the door is closed.